Best traditional shikanji masala drink, Refreshing shikanjvi lemonade

Shikanji masala is very popular North Indian traditional drink for summer. It is a lemon based refreshing drink which is very common popular in North Indian states (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh). It is also known as shikanjvi in Punjab, Delhi & Haryana.

Scroll down to check shikanjimasala drink recipe

Shikanji masala drink & road side stalls

You will find many roadside stalls selling shikanji masala drink during summer. When I was in Delhi, I often tried such drinks during summer.

Is shikanjvi masala unhealthy?

I knew that not all people use hygienic water. But once you are thirsty and see chilled refreshing lemonade offering at a reasonable price then you can not stop yourself to buy a glass of shikanji masala and drink, haha.

Secondly, once you start enjoying such drinks regularly from a particular shop and you do not face any health issue then trust will automatically develop. Then you will never hesitate to have such drinks from there.

Roadside nimbu pani stalls were not something new to me. I mean it is not a new thing to any Indian. In Kolkata, it is also very common summer drink. But I felt the taste of that spicy lemon water (shikanji masala drink) was really awesome and a quick refreshment drink.

How does shikanji masala drink taste?

The taste of shikanji masala is different from stall to stall. It is because of different people use different ingredients to make it special. I tasted somewhere in Shahbad Daulatpur where I found that saffron is used to make shikanjvi masala.

Some people even add ginger juice. I personally also prefer ginger flavor lemonade too. Do you too? Sometimes roasted cumin powder can make your drink truly magical. This traditional shikanjvi masala drink a perfect proof of it.

In case you do not have roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera) then heat a pan (tawa) and spread cumin seeds and roast till it starts cracking and nice aroma is coming out, grind it in a pestle & mortar. In case you want to make a large amount of roasted cumin powder then you can use an electric grinder. Otherwise, use pestle & mortar.